The oldest federal judge in the United States, Pauline Newman, has been suspended from duty because of doubts about her ability to work. Newman’s own expert, however, certified that she had “no impairments.”
At 96, the oldest federal judge in the United States has been suspended from duty because of doubts about her ability to work after she previously refused an investigation. A staff interview revealed evidence that Pauline Newman, appointed to an appeals court in 1984 by then-President Ronald Reagan, “may be suffering from significant mental problems – including memory loss, poor comprehension and confusion (…),” it said in the decision of the Judicial Council of the Court of Appeal.
The appeals court hears cases involving government contracts, patents and trademarks. There is no set retirement age for federal judges in the USA; they are appointed for life.
Colleagues complained that Newman worked too slowly and was often confused, nervous and argumentative, it said. Although her workload has already been reduced, Newman takes four times as long as other judges to issue opinions on cases.
Because the 96-year-old refused an examination by a neurologist and psychiatrist selected by the court, she was suspended for one year. The suspension could be extended if she continues to refuse to cooperate, the judicial council said.
Newman himself described the decision as unlawful and the result of personal animosity. Newman’s psychiatrist, Regina Carney, said the 96-year-old had “no significant emotional, medical or psychiatric disability that would interfere with the performance of her duties as a judge.”
Debate about old age
The incident could once again fuel the debate about the old age of many people in positions of responsibility in the USA – including many politicians. The 81-year-old Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recently made headlines with misfires at press conferences. Three other senators are even older than McConnell, including Republican Chuck Grassley (89) and Democrat Dianne Feinstein (90).
Age is also a key issue ahead of next year’s presidential election. Incumbent President Joe Biden is 80 years old, his possible Republican challenger, former President Donald Trump, is 77 years old.